Senate Resolution No. 50

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Suzanne Hanson upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Suzanne Hanson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement
Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth
Emeth in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary
initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which
provides support for seniors in the capital district through education
and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior
housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations,
government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors
themselves; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for
their lifetime achievements; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Hanson is being recognized as an extraordinary
senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of
others and for giving selflessly in community service; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 28, 1929, Suzanne (Bottari) Hanson was
raised in Albany, New York, where she worshipped at The Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception; while a student at Philip Schulyer High School,
she learned to knit and participated in the "Bundles for Britain" war
project; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Hanson and her late husband of 53 years Joe, were
the proud parents of two daughters and three sons; she was always very
involved in the education of her children who attended St. Madeleine
Sophie School and Notre Dame/Bishop Gibbons High School; she spearheaded
several fundraising events for both schools as well as for her church;
and

WHEREAS, For many years, Suzanne Hanson has been a faithful
congregant of the St. Madeleine Sophie Church where she has served in
various capacities; she has been a member of the Building Committee and

was instrumental in the success of its Capital Campaign; she was also a
trustee and a participant of the school board; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her valuable work with her church, Suzanne
Hanson was a 4-H leader for 10 years, teaching knitting and other life
skills to the young people of her community; and

WHEREAS, Today, Suzanne Hanson continues to volunteer her time and
energies to St. John/St. Ann Church's soup kitchen, and to the Teresian
House Nursing Home; in this capacity, she offers pastoral care, serves
as a Eucharistic Minister, and works in the gift shop; and

WHEREAS, Suzanne Hanson knits layettes for the Christ Child Society
of Albany, works as a docent at The Italian American Heritage Museum and
volunteers in their gift shop; this remarkable woman also continues her
caring ministry at Avila Retirement Community where she lives; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Suzanne Hanson has displayed
throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always
willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind
word; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Suzanne Hanson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Suzanne Hanson.